Letters from the IRS can cause serious stress for clients.  When I sat down with John, I noticed he was fidgeting in his chair and shuffling his papers to no avail.  His IRS letter had sat unopened for some time at his home and now the deadline for him to resolve the issue was quickly approaching.   I told John the best response was for us to call the IRS together immediately.  I told him exactly how the call would proceed; how I would begin the call, introduce him, and ask the IRS to get his permission to speak to them on his behalf.  Once John knew the process, he relaxed, especially since he knew he was not going to be carrying the majority of the conversation.   Within an hour, I had gotten the IRS to hold off any action or further letters until John could comply with submitting the documentation they required.  Ultimately, John was able to pay a much smaller balance and is now clear of his IRS nightmare.